Janice Elaine (Knowles) Cyr

Janice Elaine (Knowles) Cyr, age 83, of Walker, passed away on October 3, 2025. She was born on September 9, 1942, the third of fourteen children born to Orval and Jenny (Mytty) Knowles.

At the age of 17, Jan married the love of her life, Larry Cyr, on January 2, 1960. The couple began their life together in Apple Valley.

Jan and Larry eventually moved to Bloomington, where Jan worked for Honeywell, soldering components later used in the Apollo 11 mission. They started their family before settling in Walker in 1975. Together, they briefly ventured into the grocery business. While living in the apartments above the store, they built their family home nearby, where they raised their children and created countless cherished memories.

Jan dedicated most of her career to Ah-Gwah-Ching, where she worked in nursing for seven years before transferring to the sewing room in 1983. She continued her work there until her retirement, remaining part of the Ah-Gwah-Ching community for many years.

In 1985, Jan fulfilled a lifelong dream by opening her own gift shop, Hometown Charm, in Walker. The shop featured many of her handmade sweatshirts, totes, and home décor items, showcasing her creativity and love for sewing. Hometown Charm remained open for twenty years before closing in 2005 to make way for a new venture, Front Porch Quilt Shop—which Jan helped establish alongside her daughter, Jana. She enjoyed working there for many years, sharing her passion for fabric and design with others in the community. Jan continued quilting and creating beautiful shop samples, always finding joy in her craft and in the people it brought into her life.

Jan is survived by her loving husband of 65 years, Larry Cyr; their four children, Terry (Darlene) Cyr,  Dewey (Kris) Cyr,  Jana (Jeff) Weise and Jill Cyr (James Merten), seven grandchildren, Kyle (Jenny) Cyr, Karlene (Brandon) Little, Dustin Campbell, Madison Eibes, Sidney Eibes, Orval Cyr, and Martin Cyr; four great-grandchildren, Mike and Millie Laputka, Sarah Cyr, and Keyera Campbell; and 9 siblings and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Orval and Jenny Knowles; her brother, Larry (Butch) Knowles; and three sisters, Karen Knowles, Debbie Knowles, and Lil Quick.

A celebration of life is planned for July 24, 2026, in Walker. Further details will be shared with family and friends.

Jan will be remembered for her strength, creativity, and the love she shared throughout her life. Her warmth, determination, and artistic spirit left a lasting impression on all who knew her.

Jan’s care has been entrusted to Northern Peace Funeral Home Walker, MN Online condolences may be left for the family at www.northernpeace.com

Service Information

Visitation
Friday, July 24, 2026
Noon–1:00 p.m.
Hope Lutheran Church
Walker, Minnesota

Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Hope Lutheran Church

Burial
Immediately following the service at Turtle Lake Cemetery. Family and friends are welcome to attend.

Luncheon
Immediately following the burial, family and friends are invited to join us for a luncheon and a time of fellowship at the Walker American Legion.

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